Guide structure for pneumatic applicator

ABSTRACT

A guide structure is provided for guiding the flow of particulate matter from a source to a distribution manifold. The guide structure includes a generally tubular elbow defining a flow path for the particulate matter. First and second veins are positioned within the elbow so as to lie in the flow path in the particulate matter. A flow tube is positioned between the output of the elbow and the distribution manifold. A forcing cone is positioned within the flow tube adjacent the output thereof to reduce the inner diameter of the flow tube and to increase the velocity of the flow of particulate matter therethrough.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to seeding and fertilizing equipment, and inparticular, to a guide structure for facilitating the uniformdistribution of seeds and fertilizer with a pneumatic applicator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pneumatic applicators are often used in the seeding and fertilizing ofagricultural fields. A pressurized hopper is filled with the seed orother particulate matter to be distributed. The hopper includes ametering device at its lower end for controlling the feeding of theparticulate matter into a main conduit. The main conduit extends fromthe output of a centrifugal fan to a primary distribution manifold.Branch lines run from the primary distribution manifold to secondarydistribution manifolds which, in turn, distribute the particulate matterover a predetermined area. The centrifugal fan creates an air stream tocarry the particulate matter which enters the main conduit from thehopper through the metering device to the primary and secondarydistribution manifolds in order to be distributed.

It has been found that in order to uniformly distribute particulatematter with a pneumatic applicator, it is necessary to achieve a uniformdistribution of the particulate matter across the cross-section of theportion of the main conduit extending between the centrifugal fan andthe primary distribution manifold. Typically, in prior pneumaticapplications, the main conduit includes a horizontal section extendingfrom the centrifugal fan and a vertical portion extending into theprimary distribution manifold. The horizontal and vertical portions ofthe main conduit are interconnected by an elbow. During use, theparticulate matter will tend to become concentrated within the rear ofthe elbow such that the distribution of particulate matter within thevertical portion of the main conduit is no longer uniform. This, inturn, results in the non-uniform distribution of the particulate matterby the pneumatic applicator.

Numerous approaches have been developed to improve the distribution ofthe particulate matter across this cross-section of the main conduit. Byway of example, Kelm, U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,284 discloses a pneumaticapplicator wherein a section of the main conduit includes inwardlydirected, internal projections which urge the particulate matter towardthe center of the main conduit. A conical forcing cone may be positionedon the output end of this section of the main conduit to graduallynarrow the flow path and increase the velocity of the air stream intothe distribution manifold.

However, as shown in the Kelm '284, prior forcing cones are of a uniformthickness. Due to such a construction, forcing cones tend to becomedamaged when interconnected to corresponding distribution manifolds. Ifa forcing cone is damaged such that the forcing cone is no longersymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the verticalportion of the main conduit, the flow of particulate matter into thedistribution manifold will no longer be uniform. This, in turn, resultsin a non-uniform distribution of particulate matter by the pneumaticapplicator. Consequently, while the pneumatic applicator disclosed inthe Kelm '284 patent somewhat improves the uniformity of thedistribution of the particulate matter, it is highly desirable tofurther improve the uniformity of the distribution of the particulatematter beyond that provided by the pneumatic applicator disclosed in theKelm '284 patent.

Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present inventionto provide a guide structure for facilitating the uniform distributionof seed and fertilizer with a pneumatic applicator.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide aguide structure for a pneumatic applicator which is simple andinexpensive to manufacture.

It is a still further object and feature of the present invention toprovide guide structure for a pneumatic applicator which is more durablethan prior art guide structures.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a guide structure is providedfor guiding the flow of particulate matter from a source to adistribution manifold. The guide structure includes a generally tubularelbow having an inner surface defining a flow path for the particulatematter. The elbow has an input and an output. First and second vanes arepositioned within the elbow. The vanes extend between the input andoutput of the elbow so as to lie in the flow path of the particulatematter.

It is contemplated to provide a generally cylindrical flow tube havingan inner surface defining a second flow path for the particulate matter.The flow tube has an input interconnected to the output of the elbowsuch that the first and second flow paths are in communication. The flowtube may also include an output positioned within the distributionmanifold. A forcing cone is positioned within the flow tube adjacent theoutput thereof so as to reduce the diameter of the portion of the secondflow path at the output of the flow tube. A connection structure extendsthrough the distribution manifold and engages the flow tube to retainthe distribution manifold thereon. The inner surface of the flow tubemay include a plurality of projections extending therefrom into thesecond flow path. The plurality of projections are grouped into aplurality of annular rows. The projections in the first row are offsetwith respect to the projections in an adjacent row.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, aguide structure is provided for guiding the flow of particulate matterfrom a source to a distribution manifold. The guide structure includesthe generally cylindrical flow tube having an inner surface defining aflow path for the particulate matter. The flow tube has an input end andan opposite, output end receivable within the distribution manifold. Aforcing cone is positioned within the flow tube adjacent the output endthereof. The forcing cone reduces the diameter of a portion of a flowpath at the output end of the flow tube. A connection assembly extendsthrough the distribution manifold and engages the flow tube to retainthe distribution manifold on the output end of the flow tube.

It is contemplated that a portion of the inner surface of the flow tubeinclude a plurality of projections extending into the flow path. Theplurality of projections are grouped into a plurality of annular rows.The projections in a first row are offset with respect to theprojections in an adjacent row. The inner surface adjacent the outputend of the flow tube is free of projections.

It is further contemplated to provide a scattering tube having an inputfor receiving particulate matter from the source and an output incommunication with the input of the flow tube. The scattering tubeincludes a plurality of passageways extending from the input to theoutput thereof. Each passageway in the scattering tube provides acorresponding path for the flow of particulate matter therethrough. Theinput and the output of the scattering tube lie in corresponding planeswhich are perpendicular to each other.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, aguide structure is provided for guiding the flow of granular matter froma source to a distribution manifold. The guide structure includes ascattering tube having an input and an output. The scattering tubeincludes a plurality of passageways therein to accommodate the flow ofparticulate matter through the scattering tube from the input to theoutput. A generally cylindrical flow tube is also provided. Thecylindrical flow tube has an input in communication with the output ofthe scattering tube and an output positioned within the distributionmanifold. The flow tube includes an inner surface defining a path forthe flow of particulate matter. A forcing cone is positioned within theflow tube adjacent the output thereof so as to reduce the diameter of aportion of the path.

It is contemplated that a connection assembly extend through thedistribution manifold and engage the flow tube to retain thedistribution manifold on the flow tube. A portion of the inner surfaceof the flow tube includes a plurality of projections extending into thepath. The plurality of projections are grouped into a plurality ofannular rows. The projections in a first row are offset with respect tothe projections in an adjacent row. The inner surface of the flow tubeadjacent the output of the flow tube is free of projections.

It is contemplated that the scattering tube of the guide structure havean elbow configuration and include a plurality of veins therein. Eachvein within the elbow of the scattering tube partially defines apassageway in the scattering tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction ofthe present invention in which the above advantages and features areclearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understoodfrom the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a pneumatic applicatorincorporating the guide structure of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, with portions broken away, showingthe guide structure of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an elbow for the guide structure ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the elbow of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, side elevational view showing a distributionmanifold for mounting on the output of the guide structure of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, a pneumatic applicator incorporating the guidestructure of the present invention is generally designated by thereference numeral 10. Pneumatic applicator 10 includes a hopper 12having one or more pressurized tanks 14a and 14b for receivingparticulate matter such as seeds and/or fertilizer therein. Each tank14a and 14b includes a lower end having a corresponding metering device16a and 16b for controlling the feeding of the particulate matter intanks 14a and 14b, respectively, into main conduit 18. Hopper 12 ismounted on a frame structure 20 extending along a longitudinal axis. Asis conventional, frame structure 20 is attached to the rear of a towingvehicle and is supported above a supporting surface 22 by a wheel andaxle assembly 24.

Main conduit 18 includes a first end 18a interconnected to and incommunication with the output end 26 of centrifugal fan 28. Centrifugalfan 28 provides an air stream of a predetermined velocity into mainconduit 18. The output end 18b of main conduit 18 is interconnected toand in communication with input end 30 of elbow 32. As hereinafterdescribed, elbow 32 and flow tube 34 define the guide structure of thepresent invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 36.

Elbow 32 includes an inner surface 38 defining the interior thereof.First and second veins 40 and 42, respectively, extend between input end30 of elbow 32 and output end 44 of elbow 32. Veins 40 and 42 divide theinterior of elbow 38 into first, second and third passageways 46, 48,and 50, respectively, in elbow 32. Inputs 46a, 48a and 50a ofpassageways 46, 48 and 50, respectively, communicate with the interiorof main conduit 18. Outputs 46b, 48b and 50b of passageways 46, 48 and50, respectively, of elbow 32 communicate with interior 52 of flow tube34 through input end 54 thereof.

Interior 52 of flow tube 34 is defined by a generally cylindrical innersurface 56 which extends between input end 54 and output end 58 of flowtube 34. Flow tube 34 extends along a vertical axis and includes a lowerportion having a plurality of inwardly directed projections 60 extendinginto the interior 52 thereof from inner surface 56. Inwardly directedprojections 60 are grouped in annular rows such that each row ofprojections 60 is offset with respect to an adjacent row. As best seenin FIG. 2, an upper portion, generally designated by the referencenumeral 62, of inner surface 56 of flow tube 34 is free of projections.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, output end 58 of flow tube 34 is receivedwith a flow tube receiving cavity 66 in primary distribution manifold68. Flow tube receiving cavity 66 is defined by a generally cylindricalwall 70 depending from a primary dividing header 72. Wall 70 of primarydistribution manifold 68 includes a generally cylindrical inner surface74 which engages outer cylindrical surface 76 of flow tube 34. It iscontemplated that the diameter of flow tube receiving cavity 66approximate the outer diameter of flow tube 34 such that output end 58of flow tube 34 is snugly received within flow tube receipt cavity 66 inprimary distribution manifold 68.

With output end 58 of flow tube 34 fully inserted into flow tube receiptcavity 66, terminal edge 78 of output end 58 of flow tube 34 abutsshoulder 80 formed at the intersection of wall 70 and primary dividingheader 72. Bolts 82 are threaded into corresponding threaded apertures84 in wall 70 such that terminal faces 86 of bolts 82 engage outercylindrical surface 76 of flow tube 34 and retain primary distributionmanifold 68 on output end 58 thereof.

A generally cylindrical forcing cone 90 having an outer diametergenerally equal to the diameter of interior 56 of flow tube 34 ispositioned within output end 58 of flow tube 34 such that the outersurface 92 of forcing cone 90 engages inner surface 56 of flow tube 34.It is contemplated that forcing cone 90 add strength and rigidity tooutput end 58 of flow tube 34 so as to prevent damage to output end 58when interconnected to primary distribution manifold 68 as heretoforedescribed. Forcing cone 90 includes a generally conical inner surface 94extending between first and second ends 96 and 98, respectively,thereof. Inner surface 94 tapers inwardly between first and second ends96 and 98, respectively, of forcing cone 90 such that passageway 95through cone 90 has a diameter at first end 96 thereof approximating theinner diameter of flow tube 34 and a reduced diameter at second end 98.As best seen in FIG. 8, it is contemplated that terminal edge 100 at end98 of forcing cone 90 be generally co-planar with terminal edge 78 ofoutput end 58 of flow tube 34.

Primary dividing header 72 of primary distribution manifold 68 defines agenerally conical cavity 102 therein having a first end 104communicating with passageway 95 through forcing cone 90. Upper end 106of cavity 102 in primary dividing header 72 is closed by a generallyflat plate 108 which is interconnected to primary dividing header 72 bya plurality of bolts 110. Primary dividing header 72 further includes aplurality of circumferentially spaced outputs 112 which are incommunication with interior 102 of primary dividing header 72. Output112 are adapted to receive ends 114 of a corresponding flexibledistribution tubes 116. As is conventional, flexible distribution tubes116 extend from primary distribution manifold 68 to correspondingsecondary distribution manifolds 120 (one shown). Referring back to FIG.1, secondary distribution manifolds 120 are mounted on a correspondingframe 122 which extends along a central frame axis and is supportedabove supporting surface 22 by a plurality of wheel and axle assemblies124a and 124b. A leveling disc 125 is provided to cover the particulatematter deposited in a furrow, as hereinafter described. Flexible hoses126 extend from each opening in each secondary distribution manifold 120to a corresponding seed boot 128 secured to and associated with acorresponding ground opener 130.

In operation, metering devices 16a and 16b provide the controlledfeeding of particulate matter, such as seeds and/or fertilizer, fromcorresponding tanks 14a and 14b, respectively, of hopper 12 into the airstream in main conduit 18 generated by centrifugal fan 28. Theparticulate matter is carried by the air stream into elbow 32. Veins 42and 44 in elbow 32 divide the particulate matter into inputs 46a, 48aand 50a of passageways 46, 48 and 50, respectively, in elbow 32 so as todisperse the concentration of particulate matter entering flow tube 34.

The air stream generated by centrifugal fan 28 continues to carry theparticulate matter through outputs 46b, 48b and 50b of passageway 46, 48and 50, respectively, of elbow 32 into input end 54 of flow tube 34. Asthe particulate matter enters flow tube 34, such particular matterengages inwardly directed projections 60 along the inner surface 56 offlow tube 34 so as to further improve the uniformity of the distributionof particulate matter across the cross section of flow tube 34. Afterflowing past projections 60, the particulate matter in the air streammay be concentrated in certain areas of the interior 52 of flow tube 34depending upon the configuration of projections 60. Portion 62 of flowtube 34 which is free of projections 60 further improves thedistribution of particulate matter within the interior 52 of flow tube34 without creating localized concentrations of particulate matter inthe air stream.

As the particulate matter is carried by the air stream into passageway95 of forcing cone 90, the velocity of the air stream increases due tothe reduction in the diameter of passageway 95 of forcing cone 90between the first and second ends 96 and 98, respectively, thereof. Byincreasing the velocity of the air stream, forcing cone 90 furtherimproves the uniformity of the distribution of the particulate matter asthe particulate matter enters cavity 102 within the primary distributionmanifold 68.

Thereafter, the particular matter is carried by the air stream anddistributed through openings 112 in primary dividing header 72 ofprimary distribution manifold 68 to the plurality of secondarydistribution manifolds 120 (one shown) by flexible tubes 116 whereinparticulate matter is carried by the air stream and dispensed bycorresponding seat boots 128 through flexible tubing 126 into a furrowformed by ground opener 130, as is conventional.

As described, pneumatic applicator 10 provides for the uniformdistribution of seeds and/or fertilizer through seed boots 128.Referring to FIG. 2, it is contemplated to further increase theuniformity of the distribution of the particulate matter by providinginwardly directed projections 132 within main conduit 18. Such inwardlydirected projections 132 in main conduit 18 prior to elbow 32 act as aturbulent region to uniformly distribute the particulate matter acrossthe cross section of main conduit 18 prior to the particulate matterentering elbow 32.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A guide structure for guiding the flow of particulatematter from a source to a distribution manifold, comprising:a generallytubular elbow having an inner surface defining a flow path for theparticulate matter, the elbow having an input and an output; first andsecond vanes positioned within the elbow, the vanes extending betweenthe input and the output of the elbow so as to lie in the flow path ofthe particulate matter; a generally cylindrical flow tube having anouter surface and an inner surface defining a second flow path for theparticulate matter, the flow tube having an input interconnected to theoutput of the elbow such that the first and second flow paths are incommunication, and an output positioned within the distributionmanifold; a forcing cone positioned within the flow tube adjacent theoutput thereof, the forcing cone including an outer surface engaging theinner surface of the flow tube and an inner surface forming a generallyconical shaped passageway through the forcing cone so as to reduce thediameter of a portion of the second flow path at the output of the flowtube.
 2. The guide structure of claim 1 further comprising a connectionstructure extending through the distribution manifold and engaging theouter surface of the flow tube to retain the distribution manifold onthe flow tube wherein the forcing cone prevents deformation of the flowtube during connection of the distribution manifold thereto with theconnection structure.
 3. The guide structure of claim 1 wherein theinner surface of the flow tube includes a plurality of projectionsextending into the second flow path.
 4. The guide structure of claim 3wherein the plurality of projections are grouped into a plurality ofannular rows, the projections in a first row being offset with respectto the projections in an adjacent row.
 5. A guide structure for guidingthe flow of particulate matter from a source to a distribution manifold,comprising:a generally cylindrical flow tube including an inner surfacedefining a flow path for the particulate matter, the flow tube having aninput end and an opposite, output end receivable within the distributionmanifold; a forcing cone positioned within the flow tube adjacent theoutput end thereof, the forcing cone including an outer surface engagingthe inner surface of the flow tube and an inner surface defining agenerally conical shaped passageway through the forcing cone so as toreduce the diameter of a portion of the flow path at the output end ofthe flow tube; and a connection assembly extending through thedistribution manifold and engaging the outer surface of the flow tube toretain the distribution manifold on the output end of the flow tubeassembly wherein the forcing cone prevents deformation of the flow tubeduring connection of the distribution manifold thereto with theconnection structure.
 6. The guide structure of claim 5 wherein aportion of the inner surface of the flow tube includes a plurality ofprojections extending into the flow path.
 7. The guide structure ofclaim 6 wherein the plurality of projections are grouped into aplurality of annular rows, the projections in a first row being offsetwith respect to the projections in an adjacent row.
 8. The guidestructure of claim 6 wherein the inner surface adjacent the output endof the flow tube is free of projections.
 9. The guide structure of claim5 further comprising a scattering tube having an input for receivingparticulate matter from the source and an output in communication withthe input of the flow tube.
 10. The guide structure of claim 9 whereinthe scattering tube includes a plurality of passageways extending fromthe input to the output thereof, each passageway providing acorresponding path for the flow of particulate matter therethrough. 11.The guide structure of claim 10 wherein the input and the output of thescattering tube lie in corresponding planes, the planes beingperpendicular to each other.
 12. A guide structure for guiding the flowof particulate matter from a source to a distribution manifold,comprising:a scattering tube having an input and an output, thescattering tube including a plurality of passageways therein toaccommodate the flow of particulate matter through the scattering tubefrom the input to the output; a conduit extending between the source andthe input of the scattering tube and having an inner surface defining aparticulate path therebetween the inner surface including a plurality ofprojections extending into the particulate path; a generally cylindricalflow tube having an input in communication with the output of thescattering tube and an output positioned with in the distributionmanifold, the flow tube including an inner surface defining a path forthe flow of the particulate matter therethrough; and a forcing structurepositioned within the flow tube adjacent the output thereof so as toreduce the diameter of a portion of the path.
 13. The guide structure ofclaim 12 further comprising a connection assembly extending through thedistribution manifold and engaging the flow tube to retain thedistribution manifold on the flow tube.
 14. The guide structure of claim12 wherein a portion of the inner surface of the flow tube includes aplurality of projections extending into the path.
 15. The guidestructure of claim 14 wherein the plurality of projections are groupedinto a plurality of annular rows, the projections in a first row beingoffset with respect to the projections in an adjacent row.
 16. The guidestructure of claim 15 wherein the inner surface adjacent the output ofthe flow tube is free of projections.
 17. The guide structure of claim12 wherein the scattering tube has an elbow configuration and includes aplurality of vanes therein, each vane partially defining a passageway inthe scattering tube.